Ducati Corse Managing Director Luigi Dall'Igna has had to reorganize his plans for winter testing and the 2018 season following the decision of the Grand Prix Commission which includes the main stakeholders (Dorna, FIM, IRTA and MSMA).
For the record, the following decisions were taken and published a month ago: “The layout of the Official Tests remains unchanged with: two days of Test after Valencia, three days at each of the three Tests carried out at the start of the season outside Europe and one day of Post-GP Test on Monday. »
“Teams are also limited to five days of private testing with the regular drivers. After the driving ban period, only three days of testing are permitted before the events and the other tests must take place on circuits already visited. »
“No testing can take place on the route hosting the next event during the 14 days preceding. No regular driver may be requested for testing during the summer break, namely between Monday July 16 and Thursday August 2 in 2018.
“Manufacturers will be able to designate three circuits on which their test team can drive at any time, except in the 14 days preceding the event on a circuit. They will also be able to test during the three days preceding the first Official Test organized after the winter break. These teams will also be able to participate in all Official Tests. »
Ducati's current situation according to Dall'Igna:
« It wasn't easy to rearrange our plans. I think the new rules make sense, it is true that we have a test team in Europe, which makes it much easier for us to test on different tracks. »
“Japanese manufacturers don't have this advantage because they mostly test in Japan, which makes things more difficult for them, so I agree with the new rules, but I don't agree with the how these rules are applied », criticized the Italian.
“I was against the calendar, our entire testing program for the 2018 season was already in place, where and when the drivers could test in November. Our plan was for Dovi and Jorge to test the new components for 2018 after the Valencia GP, then Petrucci with Pirro in Jerez at the end of November. »
“We had to change everything because Jerez is no longer our test track, that's why Pirro can't test there. We were supposed to test there for two days in November, which caused a lot of confusion because we had to completely change our schedule. »
“I agree with the principle of the new rules, but not with the timing of when they come into force. In the end we were able to resolve the issues, but it's a big nuisance for us », underlined Dall’Igna.
Sources: Speedweek. com et Tutomotoriweb.com
